Alopecia, or hair loss in dogs, could have one of dozens of causes. Learn more about the possible sources of your dog's hair loss here.

Alopecia Sections

Alopecia, or hair loss in dogs, is caused by diseases and conditions that affect the health of your dog’s coat, from the skin down to the hair follicles. Diagnosing the direct cause of hair loss is key for veterinarians to treat alopecia. In fact, there are over fifty known conditions that can cause hair loss in dogs, so many vets have their work cut out for them.

The most common causes of alopecia fall into three categories:

1. Parasitic Causes of Alopecia

Infection, allergy or reaction to parasites can bring on hair loss in dogs. Common parasitic causes of alopecia include:

Mites - the Demodex mite is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles. Exposure to this mite, combined with a weak immune system, causes red mange, also known as puppy mange, which can induce hair loss. A Sarcoptes mite infection or exposure to other less common mites can also cause different types of mange and hair loss.

Fleas - dogs that are sensitive to flea bites or who have flea allergy dermatitis can experience hair loss due to excess itching and irritation.

2. Allergic Causes of Alopecia

Allergic reactions have been known to affect dog hair in certain cases. Allergies that have been linked to alopecia include:

3. Endocrine and Hormonal Causes of Alopecia

Cushing’s Disease - this condition stems an increase in corticosteroids caused by overproduction in the adrenal glands, or an imbalance due to prolonged therapy using corticosteroids.

Hypothyroidism - the most common hormonal disease that affects dogs, hypothyroidism’s lower production of hormones can cause hair loss.

Other Causes of Alopecia

Other causes of alopecia include bacterial and fungal infections that affect the skin or hair follicles. Ringworms, or the onset of kerion infection from ringworms, are the most common fungal cause that can lead to alopecia.

Nursing or pregnant dogs can develop a type of alopecia called “blowing their coat,” which develops from nutritional deficiency or stress.

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